On December 18, 2025, the global community pauses to observe International Migrants Day, a moment dedicated to recognizing the millions of individuals who cross borders in search of safety, opportunity, and a better life. This year, the United Nations has centered the observance on a poignant and evocative theme: “My Great Story: Cultures and Development.” This motif serves as a powerful reminder that migration is not merely a matter of statistics, demographics, or political debate; it is a tapestry woven from human experiences, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of progress. Human mobility has long been the engine of global evolution, sparking innovation and fostering cultural exchanges that have fundamentally shaped modern civilization. When migration is approached through the lens of human rights and dignity, it becomes a catalyst for sustainable development that benefits both the countries of origin and the nations that welcome newcomers.
At the very core of this global narrative are women. For decades, the face of migration was often portrayed as predominantly male, yet the reality of the 21st century reveals a different story. Women now comprise nearly half of the global migrant population, and their roles are as diverse as they are vital. Whether they are moving across borders to pursue professional careers, seeking refuge from conflict, or supporting their families from thousands of miles away, women are the primary architects of the migration experience. They are not just participants in the movement of people; they are the anchors of their communities. Their labor—often concentrated in the essential sectors of healthcare, education, and domestic service—keeps the wheels of global economies turning. Their earnings, sent back home in the form of remittances, provide a lifeline for families, funding education for children and healthcare for the elderly.
However, the contributions of migrant women are frequently overlooked or undervalued. In many societies, the care work they provide is treated as invisible, yet it is this very work that allows host societies to flourish. Beyond the economic impact, women migrants are leaders and innovators. They bring new perspectives to their workplaces, bridge cultural divides in their neighborhoods, and demonstrate an unparalleled level of adaptability. Yet, for all their strength, the journey is often fraught with systemic barriers. The narrative of “My Great Story” must also acknowledge the chapters of hardship that many women endure. Too often, the migration path is defined by peril rather than potential.
The vulnerabilities faced by migrant women and girls are profound and multi-faceted. In many regions, the lack of safe and legal pathways for migration forces women into the shadows, where they become easy targets for exploitation and abuse. Discrimination remains a persistent threat, manifesting in the form of lower wages, restricted access to social services, and social isolation. For those working in the informal economy, particularly domestic workers, the risk of physical and psychological violence is alarmingly high. Without the protection of robust labor laws or the support of social safety nets, many women find that their quest for a better life leads them into environments where their fundamental rights are disregarded. Even as they contribute significantly to the development of their home countries through remittances, the personal cost—marked by family separation and the psychological toll of precarious living conditions—is immense.
Recognizing these challenges, UN Women has intensified its efforts to advocate for gender-responsive migration policies. The organization understands that protecting the rights of migrant women is not just a moral imperative but a prerequisite for global development. By working in close partnership with national governments, grassroots civil society organizations, and migrant-led initiatives, UN Women is striving to ensure that the voices of women are at the forefront of the global migration dialogue. The goal is to move beyond mere protection toward empowerment, creating an environment where migrant women can exercise their agency and lead the conversation on their own futures.
A powerful example of this commitment can be found in Ethiopia, where the intersection of conflict, economic necessity, and gender dynamics creates a complex landscape for migration. In the Tigray region, the stories of women who have returned from working abroad often carry the weight of unimaginable trauma. One such story involves a young woman who, like many others, left her home in search of economic stability, only to find herself trapped in an exploitative situation as a domestic worker in a foreign land. Upon her return to Ethiopia, she was not only grappling with the scars of her experience but also the challenge of reintegrating into a community still recovering from conflict.
In partnership with Agar Ethiopia, a local organization dedicated to supporting survivors of trafficking and exploitation, UN Women provided a comprehensive support system for this survivor. Her path to recovery was not a solitary one; it was facilitated by access to safe shelter, essential healthcare, and legal aid to seek justice against her abusers. Furthermore, she received psychosocial support to address the emotional trauma of her journey and vocational training to equip her with the skills needed for long-term economic independence. This holistic, survivor-centered approach is a blueprint for how the international community should respond to the needs of migrant women. It demonstrates that when rights are protected and support is provided, the narrative of exploitation can be transformed into a story of justice and renewal.
This survivor’s journey is a microcosm of the broader struggle for dignity that defines the lives of millions of migrant women. It underscores the importance of gender-responsive services that recognize the unique obstacles women face during every stage of the migration process—from the decision to leave and the journey itself to the experiences in host countries and the eventual return home. To truly unlock the potential of migration, global policies must move away from restrictive and securitized approaches and toward frameworks that prioritize human rights and gender equality.
As we celebrate International Migrants Day 2025, the theme “My Great Story: Cultures and Development” invites us to reflect on the collective future we are building. The enrichment of societies through migration is undeniable. From the infusion of new culinary traditions and artistic expressions to the introduction of diverse intellectual perspectives, migrants make our world more vibrant and interconnected. In the professional sphere, migrant women are increasingly breaking glass ceilings in STEM, business, and governance, proving that their potential knows no borders.
However, the realization of this potential depends on our willingness to dismantle the structures of inequality that hold migrant women back. This requires a commitment to ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to live free from violence. It also means recognizing the credentials and skills that women bring with them, allowing them to contribute fully to their host economies rather than being relegated to low-skilled labor. On a social level, it demands a rejection of xenophobia and the promotion of inclusive communities that value diversity as a strength.
UN Women remains steadfast in its tribute to the courage and leadership of migrant women and girls. Their stories are not just tales of movement; they are testimonials of hope and transformation. By standing in solidarity with them, we acknowledge that their contributions are essential to the health of our families, the prosperity of our communities, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The shared future we envision—one of equality, peace, and progress—is only possible if the rights of every migrant, regardless of their gender or status, are upheld.
On this day, we are called to listen to these stories, to honor the sacrifices made, and to celebrate the resilience that defines the migrant experience. The narrative of migration is the story of humanity itself—a story of seeking, building, and belonging. As we look toward the years ahead, let us ensure that the next chapters of this story are written with the ink of justice, the spirit of inclusion, and a profound respect for the women who lead the way across every border.
